Peyton Elizabeth Rowland

Ms. Peyton Elizabeth Rowland was born on January 14th, 1971 in Jacksonville FL. No, really, it was Quitman, GA, because, as her father pointed out, "It was cheaper there!" She did not take kindly to being called a Georgia Peach, and insisted she was from here. Born to one Sir Charles Lee Rowland, she was indeed, her father's daughter, as anyone who knew can attest.
She attended Terry Parker High School. Dabbled at FCCJ, but ultimately graduated from the esteemed School of Hard Knocks. With a minor in Youth and Skill, then majoring in Age and Treachery. Her graduating thesis: Age and Treachery Will Always Overcome Youth and Skill. This has since been scientifically proven.
She married me, the man you know as Flip Pierce, but to whom she, and only she, called Phillip with impunity. Meeting in the summer / fall of 1996, on All Hallows Eve of that year our union was cemented as one. Making this, the 28th year of that dire day.
You're supposed to list employment on these things, but, like most of us, that was multifaceted. Albertsons cashier? Yep. Bartender? To this day none have turned down a drink from her (she was quite the atrocious influence. My mother did warn me). Automotive Service Advisor? Yes, but only for JDM, none of that American junk. I did almost have her sold on the might of VW, but alas, 'twas not to be. With a short stint in industrial construction, where she became a skilled pipe fitter, and mediocre welder (self admitted), finally settling down in 1999 to work with her father at The RJ Group.
Following her father's foot footsteps (she was a legacy), she joined The Exchange Club. There she diligently helped coordinate many events. Interviewed candidates for the Student of the Year Scholarship. Peyton truly enjoyed the outreach she was able to achieve during her tenure as President. However, the particular jewel in the crown for her was when the annual convention was held here. She was in charge of the "hospitality" room. Normally attendees go from room to room to mingle with other chapters. She shut all other rooms down. The woman knew how to throw a party (as many of you know).
Bell of the ball indeed!
Peyton, a lifelong animal lover, was active, oh... so very active, in animal rescue. And I do say animal, not just pet. She held a firm belief that if it moves, I can pet it. Most recently developing a hard and fast affection for alligators. Just so darned adorable.
There, an animal never was, that Peyton Rowland did not adore. Except Cicadas. But I believe that distaste almost universal. So many weekends, and nights volunteering at any animal facility she could. Knowing how to treat, just where to take, or whom to call for most any variety of injured animals at hand.
Beyond her interest in creatures not human, she was an ardent, lifelong fan of Sci-Fi. A self proclaimed "child of Star Trek and Star Wars" and all the attendant positive lessons one can derive from there. That naturally led to the deep, dark world of Aliens (whom she thought to be immensely sexy beasts), and Predator. Blame Charles. He took her to see it. The only girl I've known who can laugh at Event Horizon. Contemplating the cosmic realm was something she truly enjoyed.
She was geek enough to have, in high school, so immersed herself into the world of Marvel comics that when the movie's started coming out, she could tell you back story for days. What was and was not canon. But never that DC crap (her words).
From the late 80's into the 90's she began and maintained a voracious consumption of anime, for it combined all the elements of her varied interests, and always originated from the same place. Japan. A country she loved and respected. Admiring all aspects of their culture, and the respect one should show another (her father's influence, no doubt). Literally, we were watching a new anime that I fell asleep to, and she to never wake up from.
A shame, because it's sooooo good, and she'd have loved it.
It shouldn't surprise you then, that she was a huge fan of the horror genre. There was never a gore-fest she didn't love, a hell-scape that didn't beckon, or a torture scene that didn't make her giggle. But you know, all of that said, she was in no way averse to new genres. However, and until it happened, she'd have never believed she'd have been a fan of things like, and very much so, Pride and Prejudice (I will take personal point of "pride" for that).
And forever, Peyton, will I say to you "Yes. A thousand times, yes.
" A HUGE fan of most all music, she had great taste,and was ever happy to pass on stuff you've never heard of. If this were the 80's I'd kill for a mix tape from her!
And nature! Oh, how she reveled in being outside, trekking with the cats, or having a run with our dog in the woods. Hip checking each other the entire way. She could stare for an hour at a spider webs beauty. Just sit and listen to the gulls at the beach, or the crows in our back yard. Just sit and listen. And marvel at the effortless way buzzards just cruise the thermals.
It's with a heavy heart I know we did not fulfill our aspirations of travel. Early on she went on family cruises to the Bahamas and the like. Even I got to go on one, and it was wonderful. My greatest regret for her is we never made it to her beloved Japan. Did you know you can buy a house in Japan fairly inexpensively? That the cost of retirement there is INFINITELY cheaper than the US? And if you think that wasn't in the cards for final retirement then,
Watashi no yo ni kanojo o shiranaihito wa inai. Baka.
These things always say "so and so was survived by: insert family and friends names here." I submit that just means anyone who spoke to her for more than five minutes. She could make anyone comfortable. The rest of you don't need to be named, for I know she left a mark on you that you'll never forget. She was a far kinder and genuine person than I'll ever be (but I'll keep trying).
She loved animals. She loved life. She loved to laugh. Man, how we would laugh, about anything. Everything. Her father would stand amazed, watching us, and ask (with a smile on his face), "What do you even have to talk about at this point?!" We'd usually just shrug and keep laughing. It's hard to quantify how I'm going to miss her cackle. She was so dumb, and I love her so much. She was my friend. My confidant. Planner of, and coconspirator in mischief. My loud place, my quiet place, my every place. My only place. She was home. And like someone lost at sea, how I shall forever miss my home.
As most all of you know, Halloween was kinda our jam, so obviously, since this is on Halloween, costumes are encouraged, not required. But ostensibly you'll be coming from work, and you're gonna tell me you didn't dress up at work?! Pffft.
The outpouring of love and support from everyone has been phenomenal, and saying how I truly appreciate it pales to the intensity I feel it.
I want all of you to know that, whether you're able to attend or not, this is not a sad day per se. Yes, it IS, but "things only have the power you give them." Peyton and I have chosen to have a good time from day one, so why would the last be any different?
If we account for spooky entanglement, and I'm fine, that means she's fine. So plan not to come and mourn. Plan to remember, and laugh. Have a scotch and a cigar. BYO
It's gonna be ok pooter.